Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H)

Updated on June 21, 2026

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) brings a spacious 16-inch display to the Chromebook Plus lineup, targeting users who need more screen real estate for productivity tasks. Powered by the Intel Core i3-1315U processor with 8GB of RAM, this laptop handles everyday computing, web browsing, and Google’s AI-powered features with ease. The 16:10 aspect ratio display provides 11% more vertical workspace compared to traditional 16:9 screens, making it well-suited for document editing and spreadsheet work. With its Chromebook Plus certification, users get access to enhanced Google AI tools including Magic Editor in Photos, Help Me Write, and improved video call features. Whether you’re working from home, studying for classes, or managing household tasks, the Chromebook Plus 516 offers a productivity-focused experience at an accessible price point.

Pros and Cons of the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H)

Related Videos

Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) Comparison Chart

	Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H)
Price	List Price: $479 Amazon Prices: Check Price on Amazon Best Buy: Loading price...
Model number	CB516-1H-31UE
Performance Rating	8.9
Chromebook Plus	Yes
Processor	Hexa-core 1.20 Ghz (max 4.50 Ghz) Intel Core i3-1315U
RAM	8 GB
Internal Storage	128 GB UFS
Screen Size	16"
Screen Resolution	1920x1200
Screen Type	IPS
Touch Screen	No
Stylus / Pen	No Stylus Support
Dimensions width x length x thickness	14.13 x 9.96 x 0.76 inches (358.9 x 252.98 x 19.3 mm)
Weight	3.75 lbs (1.7 kg)
Backlit Keyboard	No
Webcam	1080p
WiFi	Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax)
Bluetooth	Bluetooth 5.3
Ethernet	No
Cellular Modem	No
HDMI	Full-Size HDMI
USB Ports	2 USB 3, 2 USB-C (USB-C up to 10 Gbps, DisplayPort, Power Delivery)
Thunderbolt Ports	No
Card Reader	No Card Reader
Battery	53Wh, Li-ion
Battery Life	12 hours
Fanless	No
Auto Update Expiration Date	June, 2033

Detailed Insights into the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H)

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 measures 14.13 x 9.96 x 0.76 inches and weighs 3.75 pounds, making it reasonably portable for a 16-inch laptop. The all-plastic construction keeps the weight down but feels less premium than aluminum alternatives like the smaller Acer Chromebook Plus 514. Acer claims the build uses ocean-bound plastic materials for sustainability, and while reviewers found it sturdy enough for daily use, it does flex slightly under pressure. The 180-degree hinge allows the screen to lay completely flat, which can be useful for sharing content or presentations. The port layout places both USB-C ports on the left side along with the HDMI and headphone jack, while the USB-A ports sit on the right side.

At the heart of this system lies the Intel Core i3-1315U processor with 6 cores (2 performance, 4 efficiency) and 8 threads. This 13th-generation Raptor Lake chip scores approximately 11,229 on PassMark’s CPU benchmark, providing capable performance for Chromebook workloads. In real-world use, reviewers found the processor handles web browsing, document editing, and light media consumption without issues. The 8GB of RAM and 128GB UFS storage round out the specifications, offering snappy performance for typical Chromebook tasks. For users needing more demanding performance, higher-tier models in the Chromebook Plus 516 line offer Intel Core 5 or Core 7 processors.

Connectivity options include WiFi 6E (802.11ax) wireless, Bluetooth 5.3, and a comprehensive port selection. The port lineup provides 2x USB Type-C 3.2 Gen 2 with DisplayPort and Power Delivery support, 2x USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and an HDMI 1.4 output for external displays. Note that the HDMI 1.4 specification limits external display output to 4K at 30Hz or 1080p at 60Hz, which may matter for users with high-refresh monitors. The lack of a card reader may be a minor inconvenience for photographers, but the USB-A ports provide easy connectivity for external storage. There is no built-in Ethernet, so users who need a wired connection will want a USB Ethernet adapter.

Reviewer Insights on the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H)

Chrome Unboxed’s Perspective

Chrome Unboxed tested the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 focusing on how it compares to the more expensive Gaming Edition model. They found the 16-inch display bright and clear with good anti-glare treatment, noting “the brightness is very good, the anti-glare looks really good, I think it’s a decent screen.” The 1080p webcam impressed them with excellent dynamic range and clarity.

The review highlighted the excellent OceanGlass trackpad as a standout feature, matching the quality found on higher-end Acer models. However, they were disappointed by the speaker quality, saying the speakers “sound like this as if I were talking kind of into some sort of can” and calling it “a bit unfortunate.” They suggested the device becomes compelling when on sale around $350, noting “if it goes on sale on a regular basis and it’s like 350, something like that… I think this becomes a pretty compelling option.”

MergeDroid’s Perspective

MergeDroid covered the Chromebook Plus 516 in both an unboxing and a 514-versus-516 comparison. He noted Acer rates the 16-inch model at 1.7 kg (3.75 lbs) and found that, despite the plastic lid, it “does feel pretty well put together for an all-plastic build.” He appreciated the physical privacy slider for the 1080p webcam, the versatile port selection, and the long software support window.

Comparing it directly to the 14-inch 514, he said the “larger 16-in option, the 516, does feel well put together, but it can’t feel quite as robust as the 514, because that offers an aluminum lid over the plastic found on the 516.” He flagged the number pad’s “odd layout” with the plus and minus keys, and concluded that “unless you need the extra real estate of the larger screen on the 516 and that number pad,” most people should “stick with the Acer Chromebook Plus 514.”

How-To Geek

According to How-To Geek, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 provides a large screen at a budget-friendly price but suffers from significant design compromises. The review highlighted the expanded keyboard layout as a major frustration, noting “the utter frustration this caused overshadowed my entire experience with the Acer Chromebook Plus 516.” The speakers received harsh criticism as “one of the worst sets of laptop speakers I’ve encountered.” They ultimately rated it 6/10.

IT Pro

According to IT Pro, the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 is “a rather solid but unexciting budget Chromebook with a larger-than-average display.” They found the plastic construction robust despite not being premium, and noted it works well as a desktop replacement for office environments. The review recommended it for organizations needing to stay below budget thresholds while still getting a usable large-screen device.

Across multiple reviews, the consensus points to the large 16:10 display and excellent webcam as primary strengths, while speaker quality and the lack of keyboard backlighting appear consistently as areas for improvement. Reviewers are split on value: some find it compelling on sale, while others prefer the more refined 14-inch model.

Conclusion

The Acer Chromebook Plus 516 (CB516-1H) stands out as a practical choice for users who prioritize screen size and productivity over premium build materials or multimedia performance. Its combination of a spacious 16-inch 16:10 display and Chromebook Plus certification makes it well-suited for office work, online learning, and anyone who spends long hours working with documents and spreadsheets. The excellent 1080p webcam and long AUE support until 2033 add substantial value for remote workers and organizations.

That said, users who prioritize build quality, audio performance, or a more refined typing experience might want to consider the smaller Acer Chromebook Plus 514 or look at aluminum-bodied alternatives from other manufacturers. Those who need keyboard backlighting for low-light typing should explore other Chromebook Plus options in this price range.

For those comparing options, see our Chromebook Comparison Chart to find the best match for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions